2011 will be a big year for the Stanislaus County Fair. In July 2011, the fair will celebrate its centennial anniversary.
“It’s an honor to be able to coordinate such a celebration for our community,” said Chris Borovansky, chief executive officer for the Stanislaus County Fair. “We have some exciting things in the works for 2011 that will bring a different dynamic to the fair.”
The 2011 Stanislaus County Fair will run from July 15 through July 24 for its customary 10-day run.
“This follows the 2009 decision of the Stanislaus County Fair board of directors to change the traditional late July fair dates to mid-July,” according to a Stanislaus County Fair press release.
The 38th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors was forced to reschedule the traditional late-July dates for the fair this year after the California State Fair moved their dates up to July 14 through Aug. 1.
There were several county fairs and other events in the region that were forced to change their dates to accommodate the state fair’s new dates this year also.
But the newly adopted mid-July dates seemed to be well received as the fair drew over 209,108 visitors during its 2010 run. There was an 8 percent drop in attendance this year, but fair officials attribute the drop mostly to the down economy.
“The economy played a big role in our attendance numbers; many smaller community fairs have been impacted as well as the Calgary Stampede,” Borovansky said.
This year, coupons and the fair’s Park ‘N Ride service were very popular helping community members save some dollars to participate in the fun of the local fair.
And with the economy expected to continue to play a role in fair attendance for years to come, the Stanislaus County Fair plans to continue many cost-effective options for guests for the 2011 run.
The 2011 fair will be themed around its centennial celebration and will highlight the 100-year history of the Stanislaus County Fair as well as its future. The popular Rainforest Adventure will be present at the 2011 fair, along with historical and futuristic exhibits.
The local fair started as the Turlock Melon Carnival back in 1911. It took place as an effort to promote and market the local melon industry and shipping business.
Then in 1956 the local fair was named the “Stanislaus County Fair” and in 1960 the fairgrounds became the original home for California State University, Stanislaus.
“From a summer weekend in 1911 to a 10-day run, the Stanislaus County Fair has been a source of fun, entertainment and education for persons of all ages,” Borovansky said.
To contact Maegan Martens, e-mail mmartens@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.
